Where is the Army Navy Game Played?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and highly-anticipated college football rivalry matches in the United States, with a rich history that dates back to 1890. The game has been played annually since its inception, with the two teams, the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen, battling for supremacy on the gridiron. But where exactly do these two storied institutions face off?
San Francisco, California
(From 1926-1983)
For nearly six decades, the Army-Navy Game was played at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, California. This 54,000-seat stadium hosted the game from 1926 to 1983 and was the home of the Golden Gate Park Bowl for many years. The San Francisco location was chosen in part due to the Army’s West Coast base in San Francisco and the easy access to the city via trains and buses.
Memphis, Tennessee
(From 1984-1990)
For a brief period from 1984 to 1990, the game relocated to Auditorium Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. This 10,000-seat arena hosted six Army-Navy Games and was a significant change in venue for the event, as it was no longer played on the West Coast.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(From 1991-present)
In 1991, the game returned to the East Coast and has been played ever since at Lincoln Financial Field (previously known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With its seating capacity of over 69,000, Lincoln Financial Field offers an electric atmosphere, further enhancing the already-intense rivalry between the two military academies.
Some Interesting Facts
- The Army-Navy Game is the oldest collegiate rivalry in the United States, dating back to 1890 when the two teams first played each other.
- Both teams have a rich military tradition behind them, with the University of Notre Dame serving as the "Navel Academy" for decades.
- The game’s **venue has changed a total of five times since its inception, with the longest standing location being San Francisco.
- **The game was played at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1901 due to a scheduling conflict at the original venue.
